Post by NikeofNargothrond on 01/13/26 at 17:54:33
Excited for my first Zkit-1 Build and have been rather meticulous doing the assembly, but I am running into a few issues that I hope are minor or easy to remedy.
1. Test Voltages
A - 330vDC (346vDC +/- 10 Target)
B - 309vDC (309vDC +/- 10 Target)
C - 13.77vDC (10.25vDC +/- 2 Target)
D - 3.23vDC/3.83vDC (2.60vDC +/- 1/2 Target)
I found it interesting how Point A was low, B right on target, and the remainders high... This may not be an issue at all but wanted the community's input. Also, these measurements are NOT holding steady, they are bouncing around on the meter quite a bit. Ground is alligator clamped at AC Entry lug, so its secure, I figure this may be from me trying to hold my hand steady with the positive prove to take the measurements.
I also took these measurement to put more things into perspective:
AC Input Voltage - 120.8vAC
PTF Output - Black Wires - 120.8vAC
PTF Outout - Brown Wires - 7.17vAC
PTF Output - Red Wires - 315vDC/314vDC (635vDC)
B+ Red Left - 328.3vDC
B+ Red Right - 329vDC
Plate Blue Left - 325.8vDC
Plate Blue Right - 323.1VDC
2. Output Tranformer - Right Only is clicking...
So once I turn the power on, there is no noise for about 10-12 seconds. once the tubes start to warm up and begins to glow, you can hear what sounds like a whine with increasing frequency, then starts to click. The interval changes between every 2-4 seconds. I observed the output tube having a glow that coincides with the clicking. Not an arc, but glow starts, then goes out with the click noise. It is mid-way down the tube. I tried to capture a video of this but with no luck. Thoughts on this? The left side is NOT doing this at all.
I have not gone beyond the pre-flight check phase as these two items have me hesitant to hook up speakers or a source.
Photos provided. Let me know if any of you see anything that may be an issue. I've double/triple checked polarities, continuities, and did pre-measure every component prior to installation.
Any insight or help is greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Nick Belsky
